Suspect and Respect

I, an anonymous writer on the internet, wish to give any Jew who reads this some unsolicited advice.

When an elderly rabbi/rebbe/scholar/etc. moves to your neighborhood, this ought to raise the simple question: Why?

Is your neighborhood where older rabbis often go to retire? What are his plans, and do they seem to match his stature?

If it is you who just moved in, and you find an elderly scholar to whom access is surprisingly open, this too ought to raise the simple question: Why?

Are his entourage all youngsters and/or greenhorns? Why? Where are the followers and friends he ought to have accumulated over the years?

Are good answers possible? Sure. But ask! Ask yourself, ask others, and don’t fall for poor justifications.

Stay safe.